Group Processes & Intergroup Relations recent issues

Dehumanization: Humanity and its Denial

Castano, E., Kofta, M. — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 07:39:53 PDT

In this paper, which is the introduction to the special issue ‘Dehumanization: Humanity and its Denial,’ we present a brief overview of social psychological research on the concept of dehumanization and infrahumanization. Focusing on the findings and theorizing of the special issue articles we discuss the relation between these two concepts, their determinants and consequences, particularly in the context of intergroup relations, but also with regard to the distal motives that may prompt individuals to equate humanity to the groups to which they belong.

Priming Effects of Violence on Infrahumanization

Delgado, N., Rodriguez-Perez, A., Vaes, J., Leyens, J.-P., Betancor, V. — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 07:40:34 PDT

Two experiments examine whether exposure to generic violence can display infrahumanization towards out-groups. In Study 1, participants had to solve a lexical decision task after viewing animal or human violent scenes. In Study 2, participants were exposed to either human violent or human suffering pictures before doing a lexical decision task. In both studies, the infrahumanization bias appeared after viewing the human violent pictures but not in the other experimental conditions. These two experiments support the idea of contextual dependency of infrahumanization, and suggest that violence can prime an infrahuman perception of the out-group. Theoretical implications for infrahumanization and potential underlying mechanisms are discussed.

What do I Care? Perceived Ingroup Responsibility and Dehumanization as Predictors of Empathy Felt for the Victim Group

Cehajic, S., Brown, R., Gonzalez, R. — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 07:40:58 PDT

This research examined the effects of reminders of ingroup responsibility for past wrongdoings on perception of ingroup responsibility and victim dehumanization as predictors of empathy. Two experiments set in different intergroup contexts found that reminders of ingroup responsibility generated empathy through perception of ingroup responsibility and deflected empathy through subtle victim dehumanization. In Experiment 1, set in the context of indigenous—non-indigenous relations in Chile (N = 124), it was found that reminders of ingroup (vs. individual) responsibility generated empathy by increasing a perception of ingroup responsibility and deflected it through decreased attribution of secondary emotions to the victim group. Experiment 2 replicated the effects in a different context, the recent 1992—1995 war in Bosnia (N = 158). Reminders of ingroup responsibility (vs. no reminders) generated empathy by increasing a perception of ingroup responsibility and deflected it through decreased attribution of secondary emotions to the victim group. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

Superordinate Categorization as a Moderator of Mutual Infrahumanization

Gaunt, R. — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 07:41:04 PDT

This research applies the Common Ingroup Identity Model (Gaertner & Dovidio, 2000) to explore the moderating role of superordinate categorization in infrahumanization. Two studies were conducted within the context of an inter-racial intergroup conflict. As hypothesized, perceived outgroup identification with the superordinate category (Study 1) or identification with the superordinate category (Study 2) was related to a weaker tendency to infrahumanize the outgroup by attributing it a lesser degree of secondary emotions. In addition, weak ingroup identification eliminated infrahumanization in Study 2. The implications of these findings for infrahumanization research are discussed.

Understanding the Relationship between Attribute-Based and Metaphor-Based Dehumanization

Loughnan, S., Haslam, N., Kashima, Y. — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 07:41:09 PDT

Previous research has adopted two distinct approaches to the study of dehumanization. One has focused on the denial of human attributes to groups (attribute-based dehumanization) and the other on the likening of group members to nonhumans (metaphor-based dehumanization). The relationship between these two approaches has yet to be examined. The current studies seek to clarify this relationship by integrating the two approaches. Using Haslam and colleagues’ (Haslam, 2006; Haslam, Loughnan, Kashima & Bain, 2008) model of dehumanization, we examined whether attribute-based dehumanization leads to metaphor-based dehumanization, and vice versa. In Study 1 participants read about a novel group that was described either as lacking one type of humanness or as being like a nonhuman. In Study 2 a concrete learning task taught participants that a novel group lacked a specific type of humanness. In both studies, participants explicitly learned to dehumanize the group and inferred the corresponding type of attribute- or metaphor-based perception (e.g. perceived a group as animal-like after learning that it lacked uniquely human attributes, and vice versa). Implicitly, however, participants were able to directly learn but not robustly infer the corresponding type of dehumanization. We suggest that the relationship between the two types of dehumanization can be understood using cognitive models of metaphor-making.

Of Mice and Men, and Objectified Women: A Terror Management Account of Infrahumanization

Goldenberg, J., Heflick, N., Vaes, J., Motyl, M., Greenberg, J. — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 07:41:10 PDT

This article offers terror management theory (TMT) as a conceptual lens through which the process of infrahumanization can be viewed. TMT suggests that people are threatened by the awareness of their mortal, animal nature, and that by emphasizing their symbolic, cultural—and hence, uniquely human—existence, they can help quell this threat. The article reviews empirical evidence demonstrating that reminders of mortality increase efforts to see the self and in-groups as more uniquely human. In addition, it is posited that, as an ironic consequence of defensive efforts to rid the self and certain others of any connection to animal nature, people are sometimes stripped of their human nature. The study presents evidence that the objectification, and self-objectification, of women can be viewed from this perspective and concludes that both emphasizing people’s uniquely human qualities and viewing them as objectified symbols can be understood as serving a terror management function.

Categorization of Ambiguous Human/Ape Faces: Protection of Ingroup but Not Outgroup Humanity

Capozza, D., Boccato, G., Andrighetto, L., Falvo, R. — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 07:41:11 PDT

In two studies, we tested the hypothesis that categorization of ambiguous human/ape faces depends on group membership: people are inclined to protect ingroup humanity, but not that of the outgroup. We used as stimuli: human, ape, ambiguous human/ape faces. Ambiguous human/ape faces were generated using a computerized morphing procedure. Participants categorized stimuli as human or ape. Two conditions were introduced: in the ingroup condition, participants were informed that human exemplars were ingroup members, in the outgroup condition that they were outgroup members. We expected participants, in an effort to protect ingroup humanity, to categorize ambiguous stimuli as ape more often in the ingroup than outgroup condition. Predictions were confirmed. Results are discussed in the context of infrahumanization theory.

Attributing Human Uniqueness and Human Nature to Cultural Groups: Distinct Forms of Subtle Dehumanization

Bain, P., Park, J., Kwok, C., Haslam, N. — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 07:41:11 PDT

Research on subtle dehumanization has focused on the attribution of human uniqueness to groups (infrahumanization), but has not examined another sense of humanness, human nature. Additionally, research has not extended far beyond Western cultures to examine the universality of these forms of dehumanization. Hence, the attribution of both forms of humanness was examined in three cross-cultural studies. Anglo-Australian and ethnic Chinese attributed values and traits (Study 1, N = 200) and emotions (Study 2, N = 151) to Australian and Chinese groups, and rated these characteristics on human uniqueness and human nature. Both studies found evidence of complementary attributions of humanness for Australians, who denied Chinese human nature but attributed them with greater human uniqueness. Chinese denied Australians human uniqueness, but their attributions of human nature varied for traits, values, and emotions. Study 3 (N = 54) demonstrated similar forms of dehumanization using an implicit method. These results and their implications for dehumanization and prejudice suggest the need to broaden investigation and theory to encompass both forms of humanness, and examine the attribution of both lesser and greater humanness to outgroups.

Retrospective and Prospective Thoughts About Infrahumanization

Leyens, J.-P. — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 07:41:12 PDT

The birth of infrahumanization is linked to essentialism. Ingroups were said to be the only ones with a full human essence. It was meant that ingroups were paragons of humanity. Almost like the Holy Spirit, essence has different definitions and can only be approached indirectly. The present paper insists on the fundamental (essential) differences between groups. It is proposed that if differences change, the groups (their essences) are seen as transformed. The second part of the paper looks for what makes differences crucial or essential. Variables are examined or proposed in terms of sufficiency and necessity. ‘Which outgroups are infrahumanized’ will remain an unsolved problem until sufficient and necessary conditions are discovered.

Acknowledgement of Reviewers

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 07:41:12 PDT

Compensatory Stereotyping in Interracial Encounters

Biernat, M., Sesko, A. K., Amo, R. B. — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 08:48:10 PDT

The judgment dimensions of competency and warmth capture much of the space into which our perceptions of individuals and groups fall. Though these dimensions are orthogonal to each other, they may also be inversely related, as perceivers may compensate for low ratings on one with high ratings on the other (Judd, James-Hawkins, Yzerbyt, & Kashima, 2005). We predicted that Whites would perceive Black targets as warmer but less competent relative to a White target, and that their behavior would be in accord with these perceptions. In two studies, behavioral indicators of warmth and competence (as well as explicit judgments) were assessed among White participants who anticipated interacting with a Black or White partner. Black targets were judged and received treatment consistent with low competency but high warmth perceptions. In Study 1, these indicators were negatively correlated only when the target was Black, and particularly among those high in prejudice. The data are discussed in terms of the functions of compensatory stereotyping and importance of considering multiple indicators of judgment and behavior in anticipated or actual interracial interactions.

Perspective Taking: Reducing Prejudice Towards General Outgroups and Specific Individuals

Shih, M., Wang, E., Trahan Bucher, A., Stotzer, R. — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 08:48:10 PDT

Previous research has found that perspective taking improves attitudes towards outgroups. We find that taking the perspective of an outgroup member not only improves attitudes towards outgroups, but also reduces prejudice and discriminatory behavior against other specific individual members of that outgroup. Experiment 1 demonstrates that perspective-taking improves liking towards another member of the outgroup, while experiment 2 finds that the improved liking does not generalize to all outgroups, only the group to which the target of empathy belongs. Finally, experiment 3 shows that perspective taking also increases helping behavior towards another member of the outgroup. Moreover, we find evidence that perspective taking improves intergroup attitudes through the induction of empathy.

Teachers and Learners: Roles Adopted in Interracial Discussions

Tatum, T. J. D., Sekaquaptewa, D. — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 08:48:10 PDT

Whites are stereotyped as ignorant of race issues, and African Americans as race experts. Therefore they may respond differently when discussing race. We examined whether Whites and African Americans adopt ‘teacher’ versus ‘learner’ roles when discussing race-relevant versus race-irrelevant topics in mixed-race versus same-race groups. Furthermore, we tested whether concern about appearing prejudiced and prior knowledge of the topic predicted role adopted. Results confirmed that African Americans adopted a ‘teacher’ role whereas Whites adopted a ‘learner’ role during interracial discussions about race. Assuming a teacher role predicted greater willingness to engage in future interracial discussions about race; but Whites, who were concerned about appearing prejudiced when talking about race, were less likely to adopt a teacher role than African Americans.

The Space between Us and Them: Perceptions of Status Differences

Kahn, K., Ho, A. K., Sidanius, J., Pratto, F. — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 08:48:10 PDT

The current study examines perceived status differences among ethnic groups. Consistent with a group dominance perspective, three samples of American university students revealed that perceived ethnic status differences increased to the extent that individuals had low ethnic status, perceived their society to be unfair, and were lower on social dominance orientation. In addition, social dominance orientation moderated the relationship between perceived status differences and perceived societal fairness such that perceived unfairness was associated with perceived status differences only for those low on social dominance orientation. Discussion suggests that variability in perceived status differences stems from group position, and that understanding the origins of individuals’ perceptions of status differences may be a basic and necessary step to improve intergroup relations.

Who Do We Inform? The Role of Status and Target in Intergroup Whistle-blowing

Hopman, P., van Leeuwen, E. — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 08:48:10 PDT

In two experiments ( n = 87 and n = 90), we showed that strongly identifying members of a low status group are more likely to actively inform the ingroup rather than the outgroup about an outgroup transgression, and consider it as more loyal to the ingroup to do so. Moreover, strongly identifying members of a high status group are more likely to actively inform the outgroup rather than the ingroup about an outgroup transgression, and consider this to be more loyal to the ingroup. The results are in support of the notion that, depending on a group’s existing status position, negative outgroup information can be used to enhance or confirm the ingroup’s standing, affecting whether the ingroup or the outgroup will initially be informed about an outgroup transgression.

'I Am the Best': Effects of Influence Tactics and Power Bases on Powerholders' Self-Evaluation and Target Evaluation

Klocke, U. — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 08:48:10 PDT

Influencing others by using harsh tactics is more likely to violate justice norms than influencing by using soft tactics. Therefore, powerholders are supposed to enhance the self and devalue the targets more to justify harsh influence tactics. These social re-evaluations should also be more likely after influencing with tactics that are incongruent with the powerholders’ power base (e.g. harsh tactics based on expert power or soft tactics based on position power). In two experiments with 61 interacting groups, one person in each group was presented as having expert versus position power and instructed to influence by using harsh versus by soft tactics. As expected, powerholders who influenced by harsh versus soft tactics enhanced self-evaluation (experiment 1) and reduced target evaluation (experiment 2), and powerholders who influenced by incongruent tactics enhanced self-evaluation (both experiments).

The Impact of Goal Structure in Team Knowledge Creation

Mitchell, R., Boyle, B., Nicholas, S. — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 08:48:10 PDT

This study explores the role of goal structure in team knowledge creation, and the extent to which the impact of goal cooperativeness is consequent to the associated emergence of a constructive group norm and collaborative behaviours. To investigate this theory, we assess whether openmindedness norms and decision-comprehensiveness operate as mediating variables between goal cooperativeness and knowledge creation. The results support our hypotheses that the impact of goal structure is consequent to the emergence of expectations and behavioural patterns that facilitate open, rigorous discussion. By specifying and testing critical relationships, this article contributes to our understanding of psycho-social variables underpinning knowledge creation, which has implications for group effectiveness and innovation research.

Eager to be the Best, or Vigilant Not to Be the Worst: The Emergence of Regulatory Focus in Disjunctive and Conjunctive Group Tasks

Faddegon, K., Ellemers, N., Scheepers, D. — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 08:48:10 PDT

In two experiments we examined the emergence of regulatory focus in group members resulting from the characteristics of a group task (disjunctive vs. conjunctive). Our central hypothesis was that disjunctive group tasks lead group members to adopt a promotion focus, and conjunctive group tasks lead group members to adopt a prevention focus. In Experiment 1, we used virtual groups to manipulate the interdependence structure of a group task (disjunctive vs. conjunctive). We assessed participants’ self-reported regulatory focus, and examined their task behavior. Experiment 2 addressed face-to-face interacting groups and examined the regulatory focus-specific emotions participants experienced as a result of the interdependence structure of the task, as well as their task performance. Results were partly in line with predictions demonstrating the emergence of a promotion focus in disjunctive group tasks, but no parallel effects for conjunctive group tasks. We connect our findings to the literature on regulatory focus theory and group dynamics and discuss the practical implications for team functioning and performance.

The Dynamics of Category Conjunctions

Hutter, R. R. C., Crisp, R. J., Humphreys, G. W., Waters, G. M., Moffitt, G. — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 08:48:10 PDT

In three experiments we investigated the dynamics of impression formation when perceivers encounter unsurprising (e.g. male mechanic) versus surprising (e.g. female mechanic) social category conjunctions. In Experiment 1, participants took longer to form an impression of targets described using a surprising versus an unsurprising conjunction of categorizations. In Experiment 2, we investigated the stages during which impressions of category conjunctions are formed. While unsurprising category combinations were characterized with reference to ‘constituent’ stereotypic traits, surprising combinations were characterized initially by stereotypic traits but later by ‘emergent’ impressions. In Experiment 3, we investigated motivational states that drive the dynamics of category conjunction. We found that higher Personal Need for Structure (PNS) predicted the use of more emergent and fewer constituent attributes in the impressions formed of surprising combinations. Across all three experiments, more ‘causal attributes’ were used in descriptions of the surprising combination. We discuss the implications of these findings for developing a model of the dynamics and composition of social category conjunctions.

Erratum

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 08:48:10 PDT

Death in Groups: Mortality Salience and the Interindividual-Intergroup Discontinuity Effect

McPherson, S., Joireman, J. — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 01:48:33 PDT

Past research has shown that mortality salience (MS) increases aggression toward a worldview-threatening other. The present study evaluated whether MS would have a larger impact on aggression under group as opposed to individual interactions, and whether the tendency for groups to be more aggressive than individuals (i.e. interindividual-intergroup discontinuity effect) would be magnified under conditions of MS. Participants assigned to an individual or a three-person group condition wrote down thoughts about dental pain or mortality. Later, participants read a worldview-threatening essay from another individual or group at a rival university and subsequently allocated hot sauce for the others to consume. Results supported the primary hypotheses: those writing about death were more aggressive than those writing about dental pain; groups were more aggressive than individuals; those in the MS condition tended to show more aggression; and the discontinuity effect was more visible among those in the MS condition. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

Understanding White Americans' Perceptions of Racism in Hurricane Katrina-Related Events

O'Brien, L. T., Blodorn, A., Alsbrooks, A., Dube, R., Adams, G., Nelson, J. C. — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 01:48:33 PDT

The present research used a longitudinal design to examine perceptions of racism in Katrina-related events among a sample of White American college students returning to New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina. The results suggest that the meritocracy beliefs prevalent in White American culture led participants to conceptualize racism primarily in terms of individual racial prejudices rather than in terms of institutional practices that harm ethnic minorities. Furthermore, this individualistic conception of racism reduced the amount of racism that participants perceived in Katrina-related events. Finally, reduced perceptions of racism in Katrina-related events affected participants' feelings about their American identity—perceiving low levels of racism in Katrina-related events increased participants' private regard for Americans.

The Relative Impact of Anger and Efficacy on Collective Action is Affected by Feelings of Fear

Miller, D. A., Cronin, T., Garcia, A. L., Branscombe, N. R. — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 01:48:33 PDT

Two well-established predictors of collective action are perceptions of group efficacy and feelings of anger. The current research investigates the extent to which the relative impact of these variables differs when fear is or is not also included as a predictor of collective action. The results of two experiments indicate that when fear is not assessed, the importance of anger as a predictor of action is underestimated while the importance of group efficacy is overestimated. The results further indicate that fear, in addition to affecting the impact of known causes of collective action (anger and group efficacy), is a powerful inhibitor of collective action. The implications for current theoretical models of collective action instigators are discussed.

Reactions to Procedural Discrimination in an Intergroup Context: The Role of Group Membership of the Authority

Cheng, G. H.-L., Fielding, K. S., Hogg, M. A., Terry, D. J. — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 01:48:33 PDT

The present research examined whether reactions to procedural discrimination (favoring self vs. favoring other procedures) are qualified by whether the authority is an ingroup or an outgroup member. We argue that because we tend to demonstrate ingroup bias in an intergroup context, we should react more positively when we are favored over an outgroup other than when an outgroup other is favored over us. Furthermore, we reason that because compared with outgroup authorities, ingroup authorities are perceived to be more related to us, we should react more strongly to procedural discrimination exercised by the ingroup authority. Across the two studies, results support our predictions. Results are discussed with reference to the social identity perspective and the group-value model.

A Commitment Approach to Understanding Group Exit: When Will an Ex-Member Want to Rejoin a Former Group?

Ray, D. G., Mackie, D. M. — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 01:48:33 PDT

A commitment framework based on Moreland and Levine's theory of socialization in groups (Levine & Moreland, 1994; Moreland & Levine, 1982, 2000) is applied to the previously neglected problem of group exit. Specifically, an ex-member's desire to rejoin a former group is predicted from two factors: (1) the ex-member's commitment to his or her former group; and (2) the ex-member's perception of his or her former group's commitment to him or her. This framework is tested using both recollections of real-life experiences and experimentally constructed groups. Results suggest that an ex-member's desire to rejoin a former group is determined most proximally by the ex-member's commitment to the former group, but that the ex-member's commitment can be affected by perceptions of the former group's commitment. These results suggest that Moreland and Levine's framework provides a viable theory-based starting point for more extensive study of group exit.

Complex Problem Solving after Unstructured Discussion: Effects of Information Distribution and Experience

Meyer, B., Scholl, W. — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 01:48:33 PDT

This study analyzes the effect of information overlap in groups discussing a complex problem on individual post-discussion complex problem solving (CPS). We hypothesize that information distribution among group members has an inverse u-shaped effect on individual post-discussion performance, favoring groups with a medium informational heterogeneity. As CPS is presumably correlated with experience, we also assume that exposure to the problem before the actual task leads to higher performance than less or no exposure. Experimental results support the first hypothesis: A medium overlap of instructional text paragraphs in dyads led to higher performance in a computer-simulated complex problem than complete or no overlap. The second hypothesis is not supported. Limitations of the study and practical implications are discussed.

Behavioral (In)tolerance of Equality Violation in Social Dilemmas: When Trust Affects Contribution Decisions after Violations of Equality

Stouten, J., De Cremer, D., van Dijk, E. — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 01:48:33 PDT

In public good dilemmas, people often coordinate their decisions by applying the equality rule. Prior research has shown that if one member violates equality, negative emotions emerge among the other group members. In two experimental studies we investigated whether the presence of a violator also affects contribution decisions. A first experiment demonstrated that a violation of equality does not always influence people's contributions. Even after an equality violation, group members continued to base their decisions on the equality rule if they faced a social dilemma with the same group members. But when group members faced a social dilemma with only the violator of equality, contributions were lowered. Experiment 2 showed that this is especially true for low trusters.

Social Value Orientation and Cooperation in Social Dilemmas: A Meta-Analysis

Balliet, D., Parks, C., Joireman, J. — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 01:48:33 PDT

This article reports a meta-analysis of 82 studies assessing the relationship between social value orientation (SVO) and cooperation in social dilemmas. A significant and small to medium effect size was found (r = .30). Results supported a hypothesis that the effect size was larger when participants were not paid (r = .39) than when they were paid (r = .23). The effect size was also larger in give-some (r = .29) as opposed to take-some (r = .22) games. However, contrary to expectations, the effect was not larger in one-shot, as opposed to iterated games. Findings are discussed in the context of theory on SVO and directions for future research are outlined.

Harmony and Discord: The Music of Intergroup Relations

Giles, H., Hamilton, D. L., Hajda, J. M. — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 03:34:10 PDT

Striking a Chord: A Prelude to Music and Intergroup Relations Research

Giles, H., Denes, A., Hamilton, D. L., Hajda, J. M. — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 06:40:34 PDT

This article explores the relationships between music and intergroup relations, invoking social identity as an integrative framework. In addition to briefly relating the articles constituting this Special Issue on `music and intergroup relations' to the foregoing, an array of exciting theoretical possibilities for further research and collaborations pursuing this under-investigated domain of intergroup relations is presented.

Social Identity on a National Scale: Optimal Distinctiveness and Young People's Self-Expression Through Musical Preference

Abrams, D. — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 06:40:34 PDT

Optimal distinctiveness theory (ODT) and self-categorization theory hold that association with moderately distinctive, rather than general or unique, social categories should be more central to self-conception. Study 1 analyzes objective and self-report behavioural indicators from a representative sample of 2,624 18—21 year olds. Consistent with ODT, respondents preferring styles of music with intermediate levels, rather than unique or general levels, of objective popularity reported investing more resources in, and stronger behavioural commitment to, their music identity. Study 2, using 49 students from the same age cohort, confirmed that perceived popularity was related to objective popularity independent of familiarity with each style. In line with ODT, the distinctiveness of young people's musical affiliations appears to contribute to their social identity.

Musical Taste and Ingroup Favouritism

Lonsdale, A. J., North, A. C. — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 06:40:34 PDT

Musical taste is thought to function as a social `badge' of group membership, contributing to an individual's sense of social identity. Following from this, social identity theory predicts that individuals should perceive and behave more favourably towards those perceived to share their musical taste than towards those who do not. The findings of two studies supported these predictions. The first showed that stereotypes of the fans of different musical styles demonstrate ingroup favouritism, and the second study used the minimal group paradigm to show that individuals allocate greater rewards to those believed to share their musical taste. This suggests that those who share our musical taste are likely to be considered ingroup members, and should be subject to ingroup favouritism.

You Are What You Listen To: Young People's Stereotypes about Music Fans

Rentfrow, P. J., McDonald, J. A., Oldmeadow, J. A. — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 06:40:34 PDT

Research suggests that young people use music to express themselves and to make claims about their identities. The current work considered the possible consequences of using music in this way. Using a sample of 80 British young adults, we aimed to replicate and extend previous research on the stereotypes that young people have about fans of various musical genres. It was hypothesized that individuals attribute similar psychological characteristics and social categories to fans of certain styles of music and that those distinct associations are generalizable. Results indicated that judges agreed on both the psychological (personality, personal qualities and values) and social (ethnicity and social class) characteristics of music fans, that the content of the music-genre stereotypes varied between genres, and that the stereotypes are geographically robust. The implications of this work for group processes and intergroup relations are discussed.

Self-Esteem, Misogyny and Afrocentricity: An Examination of the Relationship between Rap Music Consumption and African American Perceptions

Dixon, T. L., Yuanyuan Zhang, , Conrad, K. — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 06:40:34 PDT

The aim of this study was to examine the relationships between African American audiences, rap music videos, Black collective self-esteem, and attitudes towards women. One-hundred and forty-one African American college students participated in a survey measuring their amount of rap music video viewing, collective self-esteem, Afrocentric identity, and their belief that rap degrades women. The results revealed that viewers who consumed more rap music videos also had a higher sense of collective self-esteem. Additionally, individuals who had strong Afrocentric features tended to identify with rap music videos that contained characters with strong Afrocentric features. Finally, consumption of misogynistic rap content was negatively related to the belief that rap music degrades women. These results are discussed in light of Allen's (1993, 2001) cultural lens perspective, Appiah's (2004) theory of ethnic identification and the priming paradigm. Suggestions are made for future research concerning African American audiences and rap music.

Blame It on Hip-Hop: Anti-Rap Attitudes as a Proxy for Prejudice

Reyna, C., Brandt, M., Tendayi Viki, G. — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 06:40:34 PDT

This research investigated the stereotypes associated with rap music and hip-hop culture, and how those stereotypes may influence anti-Black attitudes and justifications for discrimination. In three studies—using a representative sample from America, as well as samples from two different countries—we found that negative stereotypes about rap are pervasive and have powerful consequences. In all three samples, negative attitudes toward rap were associated with various measures of negative stereotypes of Blacks that blamed Blacks for their economic plights (via stereotypes of laziness). Anti-rap attitudes were also associated with discrimination against Blacks, through both personal and political behaviors. In both American samples, the link between anti-rap attitudes and discrimination was partially or fully mediated by stereotypes that convey Blacks' responsibility. This legitimizing pattern was not found in the UK sample, suggesting that anti-rap attitudes are used to reinforce beliefs that Blacks do not deserve social benefits in American society, but may not be used as legitimizing beliefs in other cultures.

The Impact of Music on Automatically Activated Attitudes: Flamenco and Gypsy People

Rodriguez-Bailon, R., Ruiz, J., Moya, M. — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 06:40:34 PDT

The two studies reported in this article agree in demonstrating that activating a positive side of the stereotype of a traditionally prejudiced group could be a useful strategy to improve the implicit attitude toward that group. The goal of the current research was to explore whether activating the present association between Flamenco music and Gypsy people would decrease the negative view of this group in Spain, using the IAT measure. In the first study, when a stereotype-consistent but positive feature of Gypsies (i.e. Flamenco music) was used as a positively valued attribute in the IAT measure, the IAT effect was lower than when a different positive stimulus was used (classical music clips). The findings of Study 2 showed that for the North African community—another highly discriminated group in Spain—the use of Flamenco or classical music clips did not have any effect on the implicit attitudes of participants toward them. The implications for attitudes toward discriminated groups and the use of music to improve intergroup relationships are discussed.

The Dynamic of Songs in Intergroup Conflict and Proximity: The Case of the Israeli Disengagement from the Gaza Strip

Bensimon, M. — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 06:40:34 PDT

This study explores intergroup dynamics through group singing during the Israeli disengagement from the Gaza Strip. Interviews with 14 protesters and 14 security force members showed how different genres of songs affected intergroup conflict or proximity. When protesters sang Israeli folk songs, rhythmic Jewish religious songs and protest songs, these songs evoked negative feelings among security force members, thus increasing intergroup conflict. When protesters expressed pain and sadness through singing slow, quiet, spiritual songs, these songs evoked empathy on the part of security force members, thus increasing intergroup proximity. This dynamic is discussed in the light of socio-psychological studies and the emotional influences of music.